In the last decade or so, the esports industry has grown in value at a rapid rate. In just a few short years, we’ve seen the concept of the multi-million-dollar tournament popularised through many esports games, ranging from League of Legends to Fortnite. In this snapshot guide, we’re breaking down one key question that targets that area: ‘Which esports make the most money?’
From the first-person shooter genre to the biggest and best MOBA titles in the world, which esports game pays the most? Let’s find out.
Which Esports Game Is Most Valuable?
It’s a mixed bag out there. Some games have hundreds of tournaments but few high-value prize pools, while others have painfully few tournaments but the ones that are hosted are worth millions of dollars. It ebbs and flows and no two years in the esports industry are the same when it comes to the competitions being played.
Fortunately, we’re breaking down which esports make the most money, to give you the best idea possible of how the industry works. What follows are the top ten games in terms of overall prize money awarded since records began (thanks to Esports Earnings):
10. StarCraft II ($41,555,098)
StarCraft II is one of the founding fathers of the modern esports age and has enjoyed a long and storied tenure, even if the RTS genre is dying out more these days.
9. Rainbow Six Siege ($46,130,526)
Rainbow Six Siege is a highly tactical and much more challenging FPS than its immediate competitors, but that doesn’t stop it from being massively popular.
8. PUBG ($62,102,268)
PUBG was one of the first battle royale games to hit the market, setting a trend that would continue for years to follow.
7. Call of Duty ($63,488,732)
Call of Duty is one of the most legendary FPS franchises ever, boasting a twenty-year history and more than two dozen major releases.
6. PUBG Mobile ($83,969,980)
PUBG Mobile is the super-successful handheld variant of PUBG, the iconic battle royale game.
5. Arena of Valor (Honor of Kings) ($92,781,529)
Arena of Valor, otherwise known as Honor of Kings, is a top-tier MOBA that tries hard to compete with League of Legends.
4. League of Legends ($111,399,246)
League of Legends is one of the most popular esports games ever made. It boasts an audience of tens of millions of people and is responsible for some of the most ambitious, record-breaking tournaments.
3. Fortnite ($185,191,395)
Fortnite is arguably the most popular game in the world – and it has been that way for quite a while. This award-winning battle royale title is constantly innovating and keeping things fresh.
2. Counter-Strike ($193,502,029)
Counter-Strike is an age-old esports title that by sheer numbers alone is one of the most popular esports series ever created. It enjoys hugely prolific tournaments and is one of the most beloved games in the esports betting space.
1. Dota 2 ($350,080,022)
So, which esports make the most money? It’s Dota 2. This monumental MOBA has been driving the industry for more than a decade, and it previously held the record for the most valuable esports tournament ever, with one iteration of The International boasting a $40 million prize pool. It’s the most valuable esports game by an absolute mile.
Figures accurate as of July 2024
For more Insider Gaming Esports, check out our breakdown of the best esports games
